Chester April 30th 1816 -
Well louisa. As I promissed [sic] in my last I write a
short letter this week. My last, I think, has been gone a
week this day. And I can now scarcely remmember [sic] what
it contained, and I presume that a month hence it will
make no difference. However, I should have written more, but
have, for four days past, been quite unwell - I have now
got about again, that is. have got into my office,
and am at this moment listening to the clack of a
crazy Client - (at least he thinks I listen) of course
I cannot write long -
A few days since, I heard a story that pleased me
very much; and I now tell the same to you, because
I think it will amuse you - A young gentleman
by the name of Washburn - who now lives in Massts [sic]
courted a girl in Putney in this state for four
or five years - They expected to be married as soon
as he became Master of his profession. On complete-
=ing his studies, (about a year since) he visited his
girl; and told her that he _had_ calculated to marry
her - and that his object in so doing was to make
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himself and her happy - But he had learned (from
his own feelings) that if _they_ were married, h [sic] should
make her unhappy - and himself miserable, Because
his _Love_ for her was so _great_ that if they were
Married, he should be _Crazy_ -
The girl immediately replyed, [sic] that her feelings towards
him were of tenderest kind, and there was nothing
in the world, she more desired than his happiness -
She had thought from her own feelings, and what
he had told her, that their marriage, would make
them both happy - But if contrary to her wish,
it was going to make him miserable, She would
cheerfully submit to a seperation; [sic] and all though
it might cause her some disagreeable feelings - yet
if he pleased, they would from that time break
off all connection -
In about a month from that time she
married, a brother of Washburns - And I understand
he has since married a young Lady in Massts [sic]-
(I conclude it must be a person he did not _Love_)
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This is a story so original, I thought it would
bear telling, and as I had but a moment to
write, I embraced the opportunity of telling it,
rather than to say nothing - But the stage
horn is blowing, and the mail is not done
of course I must conclude - And now my
Louisa accept the homage, and feelings of the
writer, while I subscribe myself _your_
Cephas
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[addressed to]
[underline] Free [/underline] C.L. Rockwood
[underline] P. Master. Chester [/underline]
Miss Louisa Foote
Canton
St. Lawrence Co.
N. York -
